What a load of vintage!

Phew! I'm shattered, but buzzing after my first stall at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair at the wonderful Assembly on Spencer Street in Leamington Spa yesterday.

I was a little nervous, as Judy’s is the largest of its kind, hailed by the press as a ‘shopping phenomenon’ and it didn't disappoint.

As a newbie trader I didn’t have anything to compare the spectacle to, but the whole thing from start to finish - in my opinion anyway - was marvellous.

Judy’s was extremely helpful when booking and setting up, and they were pretty hot on the social media side too, helping me to promote my attendance.

As a vintage fledgling, I offered the first 20 Make Me Pretty Shop Facebook fans a free pair of my handmade retro fabric button earrings if they popped by.

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a prime spot, smack bang in the doorway, so I knew I had a great opportunity to attract shoppers early.

Local ladies were called upon to hand out flyers for the event, in exchange for vintage makeovers by the talented Chez Titine in a dedicated makeover caravan!

Promotion certainly paid off, as when the doors flung open at 11am hoards of vintage enthusiasts and curious shoppers flooded the building.

People in and around Leamington must truly respect style, respect vintage, as the day’s footfall was estimated at an impressive 1,300!

I was glad I took a friend to help man my stall as we didn’t get a breather until well after 2pm, so no vintage bargain hunting for us, not that I am complaining.

Needless to say my freebie earrings were snapped up early and my ‘goodie bag’ prize draw also went down a treat, netting me 30 newsletter sign-ups.

It was great to meet lots of new people - traders and customers - and share our love for vintage, but I was most pleased and proud of my handmade jewellery sales.

Jewellery is very personal, so it was really heartening my gems were so well received, given the time and love that goes into creating each piece.

Bestsellers were my fabric button earrings, paper flower statement necklaces, tea-set pendants and Alice in Wonderland cameos which sold out – oh me oh my!

Clothing wise, my main rail with gorgeous dresses from the 70s to the 90s proved popular, with one rather chic lady purchasing all 3 quality labels she tried on.

The sale rail also attracted quite a bit of attention from fashion students looking for a bargain or clothing in need of slight repair for projects.

All-in-all I learnt a lot. While the day was a success I now have a better understanding of what my customers like as well as ideas for improving my stall.

At the end of what was a very enjoyable and profitable day, I am sold on getting out and doing more events, so you never know you may see me in your town soon!
 
I mustn’t forget to say a big thank you to Steve Cook from Swale Photography who popped by to take some photos of my stall, clothes and event – thank you.

If you weren't able to make the event you've still got a few days left to enter my vintage photography competition to win a £10 Make Me Pretty Shop Etsy coupon.

Ta ta for now,

Lisa x